Connecticut western news., 1887-03-02
CORNWALL BRIDGE.

The great social event of the town came off at the Housatonic Valley Insti- tute in the form of fancy dress party on the evening of Feb. 21, and was a decided success. Social culture and manners are part of the instruction looked to at this institution, and socia- bles composed of the teachers and stu dents are held monthly, and a fancy dress party and public reception at which the patrons of the school are in- vited is held each year. Those in cos tune this year. though not as humor- ous as last, had happily selected bright CT and more showy styles which added largely to the success of the affair. The grand march at eight o'clock was led by George H. Beers who appeared in rich, showy costume and sustained the character of Richard the Third with dignity and ease. He escorted Miss Nellie Frost, who wore dress of white with full train and was magnificent as Queen of Diamonds. She also had ac- corded to her the title Queen of Hearts. Miss Cora Brown as Harvest Queen wore bright red silk, elaborately trimmed with grain and flowers, which was pretty and becoming. Her sister, Miss Grace Brown, appeared in hat and dress of white, frosty material that represented Winter in all its coldness. Miss Edith Wadhams in a skirt of dark red, heavily trimmed with gilt and bodice of black velvet set out by her dark hair and eyes made the character of Gypsy Queen complete. Morning and Night were represented by Miss Alice Frost and Grace Chamberlain, and the Goddess of Liberty was brought out by Miss Palmer. Two quaint Martha Washington characters were represent ed by Miss Cora and Ruth Miner, while Miss Grace Miner made success of the character of Little Red Riding Hood Among the gentlemen was a Spanish Count, represented by Mir Germond, who wore black velvet costume trim med with silver, which was much ad- mired. MT Esterbrook wore scarlet coat and pants; Harrison Ives, neat fit ting military suit Mir Braman, a George Washington dress suit; Hadley Frost as Page wore purple velvet; Gay Lom- bard as the s'Devil, shall not attempt to describe-my puritanical training had led me to expect something hideous and terrible but the picture must have been overdrawn or else Gays jovial way and pleasing manner overcame my prejudices, as the character did not ap- pear as hideous as my youthful imag, nations had pictured it. There were many more very pretty and striking costumes among those present, unknown to your correspondent. The evening was passed in dancing, vocal and instru. mental music until eleven o'clock when all left, highly pleased with the enter. tainment.
 The ladies aid society of this place met at the residence of Mrs Mary Wad hams on the afternoon and evening o1 Feb. 23 and raised the sum of $21 by an oyster supper. They are to give 8 basket party at the house of M I. Mil lard March 9. The money raised is fo, the church, and large attendance is solicited.
 The cold wave attended by the terri ble snow storm was not acceptable tC man or l,aast. The roads are blockaded by drifts in many parts of the town.
 Miss Grace Robinson has returned hurn,, from a visit to Waterbury.
 sIrs Lester Dennigar and daughter of Litchtield are the guests of Mrs Benja- min Jones.
 Fruit tree agents, book peddlers (by sainple). and a few tramps thaw out oc- cssionally. We expect the lightning rod men as soon as the snowy clouds roll by.